Hands-Off Gardening

July 21, 2008 by ark_admin

Hot Arkansas summers can leave our wilted gardens and patios ready for an infusion of color and texture, and there’s no better way to achieve this than integrating a selection of perennial succulents. Whether you choose to include them in your landscape or in container gardens inside and out, like the ones created for this story by Brett Battle, owner of The Plant Outlet in Conway, along with Plant Outlet landscape professional Andrea Cleaver, these easy-to-grow plants are low in maintenance and high in style.

According to Brett, there are four different varieties of succulents: sedums, which he primarily used for these container gardens; euphorbia, or cacti; tender succulents, like aloe vera and jade; and yuccas, which are large evergreen plants. The rosette-shaped sedums are ideal for container gardens thanks to their versatility, but they also make wonderful ground covering that grows quickly and can be mixed with annuals and other perennials for a variety of looks. “We also use a lot of succulents in rock gardens and xeriscapes, which are landscape designs that use little to no supplemental irrigation,” Brett says, “because they are so hearty.”

Succulents will thrive indoors, as well as out, and they love a hot, sunny and dry environment year-round. “They like minimal water and sandy soil,” says Brett, “which is pretty much the opposite of what most people are used to when caring for houseplants.” Brett does caution against over-fertilizing and over-watering. “You only need to water every two to four weeks if they’re in a container,” he says. “Just about the only way to kill these is over-watering.” Succulents also prefer a snug, confined environment, so they should rarely be re-potted, and they thrive in cold weather down to 20 degrees below freezing, so they can be left outside for patio color during the winter as well.

Brett, a native of Australia whose family has been in the nursery business for many years, loves creating succulent gardens for his busiest clients, but he also encourages even diligent caretakers to consider mixing them with other plants. “Succulents offer different foliage and contrast to other, more traditional perennials.”

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Victorian Vantage

July 21, 2008 by ark_admin

With a long and storied history dating back to the Middle Ages, stained-glass windows were traditionally used in churches as pictorial representations of scenes from the Bible to educate illiterate parishioners. The mouth-blown glass, which was colored with metallic salts, was painstakingly assembled between strips of lead and painted by hand, making the expensive and time-consuming process realistic only for the great cathedrals of Europe. However, the windows became more and more obtainable and affordable as technology improved, and by the Victorian era, a process called cathedral glass, by which the colored glass was poured and cooled on long metal tables, made the beautiful, hand-made windows available even for residential use.

It’s these turn-of-the-century geometric and floral residential windows, primarily from northern England, that antiques dealer Buford Blackwell has collected in his store, Blackwell Antiques in Bryant. “I always thought the windows were beautiful,” he says, “and when we began importing English antiques, they were a natural extension of that.” The windows were often used in homes’ façades, as sidelights or transoms and even in doors, because they allow in light but also provide privacy. However, as the Victorian homes were remodeled, the stained glass was removed in favor of more contemporary options, and the windows made their way to Arkansas, although the supply is becoming limited.

Still encased in their original frames, these glass creations are ideal to hang in a window or pass-though or on a porch. According to Buford, the highly sought-after pieces are those with the most color and the greatest number of individual glass pieces, and he cautions buyers against removing them from their frames. “They’ve been painted so many times, and they’ve been held in place so long, that you really need a professional to remove them,” he says.

Probably part of a set of stained-glass windows used to form a semi-circle, this geometric design with green and purple accents would have been used above a grand front door.	The pebbled texture of the cathedral glass method of making stained glass, which varies in size in this square window, was created when the glass cooled on a metal table, creating one smooth and one pebbled surface.
Varying in size and shape, these windows would have been made to coordinate with a series of windows in a home’s front façade, such as the transom above the door and sidelights flanking it.	Combining plain, textured and colored glass in a single window provides a surprisingly contemporary geometric design.

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Scenic Highway 7

July 21, 2008 by ark_admin

A quick jaunt down Arkansas’ scenic Highway 7, the first state-designated scenic byway, is a fun way to see two great towns: Hot Springs and Russellville. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities on the lake or a relaxing way to get away from it all, these terrific spots have more than you could possibly see in one weekend.

Russellville

SHOPPING

III’s Company
203 N. Commerce, 479-880-0224
Whether you’re in the market for Michael Stars tees, Free People dresses and premium denim or colorful and artistic home accessories, entertaining pieces and accent furnishings, III’s Company’s well-stocked Russellville store is just the place to find inspiration.

The Frame Shop & Gallery
311 W. C St., 479-967-1398
Custom framing is key at The Frame Shop & Gallery, where you can find the perfect accent for original art, keepsakes, needlework and just about anything you can imagine. The gallery includes oils, watercolors, photography and sculpture by a variety of local and regional artists.

Lefler’s
407 N. Arkansas Ave., 479-968-3001
There’s much more to explore than the sassy and sophisticated apparel and accessories from names like Flax and Brighton at Lefler’s Russellville location. You’ll also want to browse their complete Clinique and Estee Lauder cosmetics counters, where you’ll get amazing customer service and the inside track on makeup and skincare.

Outdoor Living Center
370 Lake Front Dr., 866-496-5285, www.olcrv.com
Start your trip at Russellville’s Outdoor Living Center, where you can find recreational vehicles of all shapes and sizes, along with parts and accessories and fun extras like the Segway.

Rendezvous Formal Wear
208 W. Main St., 479-890-7766
The biggest names in bridal design are all represented at Rendezvous Formal Wear, including Alfred Angelo and Da Vinci, and their full-service staff can help you with everything from bridal party attire to party planning.

River Valley Furniture
2609 E. Parkway, 479-967-9984, www.rivervalleyfurniture.net
High-quality furniture at the best possible prices is the specialty at River Valley Furniture, which has been serving Russellville since 1995. Names like Kincaid, La-Z-Boy and Broyhill are displayed in beautiful room vignettes with accessories, lighting and everything you need to make your home complete.

DINING

Italian Gardens
319 W. Main St., 479-967-1707
Made from scratch Italian delicacies, from spaghetti and lasagna to steaks and shrimp scampi, have kept customers coming back to Italian Gardens for years.

Stoby’s
405 W. Parkway, 479-968-3816, www.stobys.com
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, Stoby’s is the place to be, thanks to their diverse menu of salads, sandwiches and, of course, cheese dip.

Whatta-Burger
1410 Arkansas Ave., 479-968-1410
The original Feltner’s Whatta-Burger can’t be beat for delicious drive-in food like burgers, fries and shakes.

Hot Springs

SHOPPING

Accessory Gallery by Ru-El
2020 Central Ave., 501-321-9168
The diverse offerings available at this enticing shop change often and run the gamut from fashionable jewelry to Tano and Brighton bags to stylish ladies’ wear for day and night, along with luxurious bath products and candles.

Blue Moon Gallery
718 Central Ave., 501-318-2787, www.bluemoonartgallery.com
A leading force in Hot Springs’ artistic community, Blue Moon Gallery, owned by mother-daughter team Pat and Dishongh Scavo, features paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture. With artists like Randall Good, Mark Hatfield, Wendeline Matson and Megan Chapman displayed within, this is the ideal spot to discover the next piece in your collection.

Chrysalis Day Spa
4332 Central Ave., 501-520-5400, www.chrysalisdayspa.com
In their amazingly relaxing and beautifully designed environment, the professionals at Chrysalis Day Spa specialize in everything from facials and brow shaping to microdermabrasion and massage for men and women.

De Madera Trading Co.
4334 Central Ave., 501-520-5712
With colorful flair, the furnishings at De Madera can contribute a worldly touch to any room and are versatile enough to design an entire home around. Including unusual accessories, convenient storage pieces, upholstered furnishings and more, the offerings are diverse and utterly fun.

Doodlebug’s Children’s Boutique
3832 Central Ave., 501-525-5700; 120 Central Ave., 501-609-9020
All the hottest brands for little ones fill the racks at both locations of Doodlebug’s Children’s Boutique, from My Vintage Baby to E-Land. From head to toe, you’re certain to find just the thing for playtime and special occasions alike.

Essentials
124 Central Ave., 501-624-2025
For every delightful indulgence, from Lampes Berger to bath and beauty products to Pandora Jewelry, Essentials is the place. It’s hard to resist browsing row upon row of beautiful apothecary items, which is half the fun!

Gallery Central
800 Central Ave., 501-318-4278, www.gallerycentralfineart.com
Owner Bess McFadden Sanders fills Gallery Central with inspiring works that pique her own interest as a lifelong collector. Works by Barry Thomas, Arden Boyce, Gino Hollander and many more can all be explored.

Gary Thorson’s Furniture
350 Malvern Ave., 800-648-8452, www.garythorsonfurniture.com
The extensive variety of brands and styles, from names as well known as Bassett and Thomasville, available at Gary Thorson’s are ideal for crafting a stylishly personal look with help from their knowledgeable staff.

House to Home
4328 Central Ave., 501-520-4949
House to Home is the place to find the finishing touches for any abode, like custom draperies and bedding, Peacock Alley linens, Vietri pottery and furnishings for every room.

Lauray’s
402 Central Ave., 501-321-2441, www.laurays.com
A longstanding Hot Springs tradition, Lauray’s is the place for diamonds, from custom-designed bridal sets to black diamonds, right-hand rings and three-stone rings. Their designer brands include John Hardy and Jude Frances, and their full-service staff loves educating consumers about all aspects of fine jewelry.

The Material World
4328 Central Ave., 501-525-0204, www.thematerialworld.com
There’s more than just fabric at The Material World, where they also stock elegant accessories and accent furnishings. It’s a wonderful destination for your next design project, with a large selection of in-stock fabrics for inside and out, along with trims and cording.

Pink Avenue
3948 Central Ave., 501-520-0624
A fun spot to spend time exploring all the latest trends, Pink Avenue is known for denim, separates and adorable accessories.

Sharon’s
222 Cornerstone Blvd., 501-520-5222
This top-tier ladies’ boutique is filled with the latest looks, from contemporary styles and premium denim to classic, tailored apparel and colorful jewelry and accessories.

Tillman’s Antiques
118 Central Ave., 501-624-4083, www.tillmanshotsprings.com
If you’re looking for beautiful objects from eras past, there’s no better place to start than Tillman’s Antiques. The Tillman family searches the world for amazing artifacts, such as museum-quality silver, Faberge eggs, fine jewelry and stunning porcelain.

Traveling with Style
5001 Central Ave., 501-525-9510
A delightful mix of fun, versatile ladies’ clothes makes Traveling with Style a must-stop for stylish ladies. Don’t miss their fabulous selection of accessories, handbags and jewelry.

Verdigris
307-B Broadway, 501-321-0307
With a naturally eclectic aesthetic, Verdigris offers amazing pieces with an artistic flair, such as accessories and classic, transitional furnishings.

The Villa
110 Central Ave., 501-318-4438
This terrific collection of shops on Central has ladies’ apparel and accessories, bedding and linens, and home accessories on the menu.

DINING AND ACTIVITIES

Back Porch Grill
4810 Central Ave., 501-525-0885
Completely re-designed by interior designer Sandy Sutton, this restaurant inside the Sunbay Resort is well known for hand-cut steaks grilled to order and creative fish dishes, along with nightly chefs’ specials.

Central Park Fusion Cuisine
200 Park Ave., 501-623-0202, www.centralparkfusion.com
With local and organic ingredients and classic culinary techniques as their top priorities, this diverse spot offers delicious dishes with a worldly flair at lunch and dinner.

Chef Paul’s
4330 Central Ave., 501-520-4187, www.chefpaulsfinedining.com
Known for fine dining in a comfortable atmosphere, Chef Paul’s serves Mediterranean-influenced food, along with famous wine dinners and house-made desserts.

Fisherman’s Wharf
5101 Central Ave., 501-525-7437
Seafood, steaks, sandwiches and burgers are served up on the deck or inside this Hot Springs favorite, where you can arrive by boat or car.

Hamilton House Estate
132 Van Lyell Terrace, 501-520-4040
Dinner on Wednesday through Saturday nights and a famous Sunday brunch have made Hamilton House Estate Bed & Breakfast a sought-after destination.

Maxwell Blade Magic Lantern Theater
121 Central Ave., 501-623-6200
Legendary Hot Springs magician Maxwell Blade has a brand-new theater in the heart of downtown, where he’s sure to wow you and your family with his inventive brand of illusion.

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Classic Entertainment

June 25, 2008 by ark_admin

Dean Morris’ interest in the antique business began many years ago. “My father started this as a hobby,” says his daughter Terrie Collins. “He was a farmer and would collect unique items from the old farmhouses in the area during his spare time. Then he’d sell them to the antiques dealers out of the garage.” His interest in antiques didn’t stop there, as he soon became intrigued by the restoration process, and eventually opened Morris Antiques in Keo.

Terrie has consequentially been around fine antiques her entire life. “I worked here after school and on the weekends,” she says. “After we started expanding, it became too much for one person, and I just fell in step.” Terrie’s brother, Lewis, is also in the business and studied restoration and rebuilding in Great Britain. He now heads the store’s full-service restoration services.

One of the Morrises’ goals is to show their customers how easily antique pieces can fit into modern homes. They travel to France, England, Belgium and the Netherlands to hand-select one-of-a-kind antiques that work perfectly for contemporary lifestyles. “We are a little different in that we carry both American and European pieces, while most dealers will specialize in one or the other,” Terrie says. The items that they choose are special because of the unique features and attention to detail added by the artisans. “Most pieces are like works of art. The craftsmanship and detail are amazing,” she says.

Finding new purposes for vintage pieces is not only aesthetically pleasing, but environmentally responsible as well. “The term ‘going green’ is really popular right now, and that’s one thing we’ve been doing for years and years,” Terrie says. “Taking things and restoring and recycling them; saving items from landfills and reconstructing them for a new purpose.”

While Morris Antiques carries a variety of antique furnishings and collectibles, Terrie really enjoys re-purposing the antique buffets and serving pieces. “Because of the doors and the storage space on buffets, they work beautifully for entertainment centers. Our clients mount their flat-screen television above them and store their other equipment in the cabinets,” she says.

Terrie gathered together several of her favorite buffets for us, including the Chippendale-style mahogany server. As one piece of a complete dining room set from the Netherlands, the piece’s unusual size and two-door storage space make it a perfect candidate for an entertainment center. “With this buffet we have found a new use for an old piece,” she says. The German oak server with black accents, circa 1915, has been fully restored. “The black accents make it more compatible with modern décor, and the narrow size is convenient for a variety of spaces,” she says. And the walnut buffet boasts a marble top for a modern look. Originally from France, circa 1900, this piece simply needed to be refinished, and it looks as good as new.

Terrie encourages all of her clients to think outside the box when selecting furnishings for their homes. With a little imagination, traditional antiques can fit perfectly with homes of any style.

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The intricate details of this mahogany server are typical of the high-end antiques offered at Morris Antiques. “This piece is thinner than most servers, which is unusual and makes it the perfect size for an entertainment center because it won’t take up too much room.”

The black accents on this German oak server give it an edgy feel that is sure to look great in a contemporary setting, and the storage space with extra drawers makes it perfect for an entertainment center.

The marble top on this French walnut buffet sets it apart and lends a classic style.

Whether placed in a kitchen, dining room or living room, these antique buffets offer a historic touch to modern homes, complete with multi-purpose storage spaces and eye-catching details.

Back Porch: American Flag

June 24, 2008 by ark_admin

In honor of Independence Day, we’ve devoting our last page to the American flag. One of our country’s most recognizable and powerful symbols, the flag includes 13 red and white stripes, representing the original colonies, and 50 stars, representing each of the states. Although the design was adopted on June 14, 1777, beginning in 1818, new stars were added to the flag to represent each new state on the fourth of July each year, and the 50-star version, adopted on July 4, 1960, has been the longest in continuous use as of 2007, when it surpassed the 48-star flag.

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Dinner on the Lawn

June 23, 2008 by ark_admin

Wines for Summertime Fun

We recently asked Clark Trim of Colonial Wine and Spirits in Little Rock to give us the inside track on some of his favorite wines for summer. Here is his take on warm weather vino, along with suggestions on what dishes to pair with them.

Marques De Grinon Dominio de Valdepusa 2002 Summa
From a vineyard in Spain located in the Pusa River valley between Toledo and Madrid, this is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Rising on the nose are elegant, yet contrasting aromas of zesty pepper, clove, cacao and smoke. These lead to a rich palate with layers of wild red fruit flavors and notes of mineral and spice. This hearty red is perfect paired with a hearty beef steak right off the grill. Around $40.

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Dumas, McGehee and Lake Village

June 23, 2008 by ark_admin

Highway 65 is many Arkansans’ traditional route to summer vacation destinations throughout the southeast. But rather than speeding through in the dark of night, set aside plenty of time to enjoy the towns along this highway between Little Rock and the Mississippi state line. Not only do these south Arkansas towns offer plenty of history to explore, they’re also home to hidden gems for those who love off-the-beaten path shopping and dining.

GRADY

Hardin Farms
Hwy. 65 S., 870-479-3978
An amazing first stop year-round, Hardin Farms boasts a pumpkin patch in the fall and strawberries and other homegrown goodies in the summer. The shop is filled with local jams and other delicacies, while the adjacent restaurant boasts daily specials and homemade strawberry shortcake that is without equal.

DUMAS

Flowers & Gifts by William
168 Main St., 870-382-5519, www.flowersandgiftsbywilliam.com
Since relocating to downtown Dumas, Flowers & Gifts by William offers an expanded showroom filled with beautiful gifts and home décor items. But they still love creating one-of-a-kind floral arrangements for a variety of occasions, with a friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you every step of the way.

The Gift Shop
535 E. Farmer St., 870-382-6907, www.thegiftshopofdumas.com
There’s lots to see at The Gift Shop, where every room features a different genre, from gourmet foods, to ladies’ apparel and accessories to children’s gifts and a complete bridal registry. Customers enjoy brands as diverse as Hobo bags, Pine Cone Hill pajamas, Elizabeth W bath products and Vietri dishware.

Miller’s Mud Mill
Hwy. 65 S., 870-382-5277, www.millersmudmill.com
Artist Gail Miller and her family create a wide variety of handmade pottery with custom glazes in their Dumas shop. Mugs and plates join enormous freeform bowls, vases and serving pieces. We especially love the platters adorned with fish and lobsters.

The Wash House
660 Hwy. 65 S., 870-382-4217
Beautiful plants for inside and out are the specialty at this spot on the highway. You’ll also find a selection of gifts and Life is Good merchandise.

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Little Bags, Big Style

June 23, 2008 by ark_admin

1. Buttery soft, lipstick-red leather is met with glossy patent accents and trim on Heather Hawkins’ San Tropez bag, and its curvy shape is surprisingly roomy. Available at Minx in Little Rock.

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An Acadian Cottage

June 23, 2008 by ark_admin

Featured in this month’s Living on the Water issue (“Louisiana Inspiration”), Jan and Dave Allmendinger’s Heber Springs home boasts an exterior as stunning as its interior. The look was inspired by the Acadian cottages of Louisiana, which they learned to appreciate while their daughter, interior designer Krista Lewis, lived in the state.

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Kimberly Harper Interiors

June 23, 2008 by ark_admin

To know what you want to do with your life is a good thing. To actually be doing it with a great deal of success is even better. Interior designer Kimberly Harper of Kimberly Harper Interiors in Fayetteville is doing just that. She has run a flourishing interior design business for more than ten years, and the success that she has enjoyed is a product of her hard work and dedication to her field.

Kimberly’s interest in interior design started at a very young age when her parents began remodeling their North Little Rock home. “I would go with them to meet the designer, and I was really interested in the wallpaper and the paint,” she says. By the time she got to high school her interest and talent had grown even more. She decided to pursue an internship with designer Georg Andersen of Georg Andersen Associates in Conway, and Georg remembers her fondly. “She was one of the most delightful people I’ve ever had on staff,” he says. “She always treated the work as if it was her own business, and her taste level was impeccable.”

After high school Kimberly went on to study interior design at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and opened Kimberly Harper Interiors in Fayetteville five years later.
She is an allied ASID member, Kimberly describes her style as a mix of contemporary and traditional with an added touch of whimsy. She finds inspiration from many different places, including her travels. “I travel a lot,” she says. “When I go somewhere like New York or Dallas, I take lots of pictures.” When designing for her clients, she always tries to recreate their taste, rather than inject her own preferences. “It’s always the client’s style that I’m trying to emulate, and that’s what I focus on.” While Kimberly loves to work from a blank slate, she also enjoys reworking what a client already has. “It’s so fun to go into an existing space that someone doesn’t exactly know what to do with and help to make it better,” she says.

Considering Kimberly’s success, it’s no wonder that she has made the decision to expand her storefront. In August, she’s moving her studio and store from the downtown square in Fayetteville to Rogers. There she hopes to increase the store’s in-stock gift items, while still maintaining and growing the interior design side. “I will have my design studio, fabrics and furniture in Rogers, but we will still do business in Fayetteville and throughout the area,” she says. With her passion for design and her determination to achieve her goals, Kimberly is doing just what she was meant to do, and she loves every minute of it. “I get to do something different every day,” she says. “I simply love my job.”

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Hands-Off Gardening

Victorian Vantage